Volunteer and Partnership Award Recipients

 

The strength of the ATA comes from the passion and dedication of its members, volunteers and partners. Each year at the Annual Meeting, ATA Staff and Board Members award individuals who’s service and commitment has had a significant impact on the Arizona Trail.

2023 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016

2024

Kent Taylor

Lifetime Achievement Award

Kent has dedicated his career to connecting people with trails and developing healthy communities infused with nature. He recently retired as Pinal County’s Director of Open Space & Trails, and helped improve the quality of the Arizona Trail throughout the country while elevating its importance as a resource for locals and visitors alike. Kent also served on the ATA Board of Directors for many years, and his numerous contributions will benefit the organization and the trail well into the future. We are beyond grateful for his many years of selfless service.


Adam Milnor

Outstanding Agency Partner Award

Since taking the position as leader of the Recreation, Heritage and Lands program on the Coronado National Forest, Adam has done incredible things for the AZT! Developing the Santa Catalina Trail Plan, funding a dedicated trail crew, and supporting completion of the Casa Blanca Canyon Passage construction project are just a few of Adam’s accomplishments. We are honored to have him as a stalwart supporter and stellar agency partner.


David Rabb

Outstanding Volunteer Award

Superstar sawyer, terrific trail steward and a dedicated board member, David is a versatile volunteer who has been a valuable part of the AZT community since the trail’s infancy. With years of experience and refined skills, he is a natural leader at trail work events. David’s pride and passion for the AZT take him off the trail as well. He is an active trail angel, outreach volunteer and Treasurer for the ATA Board of Directors.

 

Greg Peters

Outstanding Volunteer Award 

Over the last decade, Greg has assembled professionally trained teams of amateur radio operators to support the AZT’s endurance events by providing communications support in remote areas through the Pima County Office of Emergency Management. His commitment to community safety, emergency preparedness and health and wellness are second to none.

 

 

Rosemary and John Beck

Outstanding Volunteer Award

If you haven’t seen these two in action, you are missing out. With a wealth of AZT knowledge and enthusiasm, Rosemary and Joh captivate community members at outreach events. When they aren’t sharing their excitement with the public, you can find them working on the trail, hauling supplies, or doing whatever else is needed to support the ATA. Rosemary and Jon are an unstoppable team for positive change.

 

Larry Doyle

Outstanding Volunteer Award

As a segment steward of five years and a regular at trail work events, Larry is a familiar face within the AZT community. His experience volunteering on the National Scenic Trails brings a valuable perspective, and his musical talent entertains at volunteer events throughout the state. Larry isn’t just a hard worker; with his productivity comes a sense of humor that lightens even the most daunting of tasks.

Deana Linton

Outstanding Volunteer Award

If there is a camp kitchen around, it’s easy to find Deana in it creating a welcoming environment for volunteers. No camp kitchen at the event? Not to worry. Deana is happy to assist wherever there is need. No matter what the task, she’s always ready to lend a helping hand. She is a delight to have around and makes and excellent camp co-host. If you’re lucky, Deana may even have her pup, Falkor, alongside for additional support.

 


Bea Mendivil

Community Partner Award

Bea demonstrated deep altruism and care toward Arizona Trail Youth Ambassadors by dedicating countless hours toward their development as Field Leaders with Tucson Audubon Society. Bea has a deep desire for justice, equality and a healthy community. Her work changed the lives of our Ambassadors due to her authenticity, brave compassion and the quality of her work in uplifting their personhood. Bea continues to develop opportunities for our interns to grow and become exceptional members of our community.

Mimi Murov

Youth Empowerment Award

Serving as an integral intergenerational mentor and leader, Mimi embodies countless qualities that make her an asset to the Gear Girls program. Infused with a heart of gold, she brings warmth and dedication to her role, creating an environment where young women feel empowered and supported. Mimi’s influence extends beyond trails, as she imparts irreplicable energy and insightful perspectives on the natural world. Her commitment to fostering a sense of community and empowerment makes her a beacon of inspiration within the program

Justine Hernandez

Youth Empowerment Award

Justine is GRO girl GRO Volunteer Extraordinaire! She has been a part of the program since before we launched in February, and has consistently been on our weekly adventures throughout the year. Justine is energetic, compassionate, professional and such an incredible role model for all of the girls we work with. Her perspective and feedback have been invaluable as we have grown our program.

STAR School

Community Partner Award

The STAR School (Service to All Relations) serves Native American students from Flagstaff and the Navajo Nation, and is one of our newest community partners. In 2023, we co-led 10 outings on the Arizona Trail with their 4th-8th grade students. We also organized a Wellness Walk for the entire school, with 90 indigenous students and their teachers walking three miles together on Passage 32 of the AZT. We are grateful for the STAR School’s guidance on culturally responsive teachings, perspectives and knowledge sharing that enhances everyone one of our school partnerships in Northern Arizona.


Collin and Adrianna Nolan

Trail Advocacy & Conservation Award

Collin has been a steadfast supporter of AZT’s Veteran Program since attending his first Veteran Volunteer Work Weekend in 2021. Known for taking great pride in his stewardship responsibilities on Passage 9d, Collin’s commitment to the AZT VETS is matched only by his love for his son, Jameson, and wife, Adrianna. Adrianna – whom we lovingly call “Chef” around camp – has volunteered countless hours to plan, prep and execute some of the most spectacular meals ever created in a backcountry setting for our veteran crews while allowing Jameson the space to explore and connect with the natural world.


Rebeca Rodriguez

Social Media Ambassador Award

Rebeca’s enthusiasm for the Arizona Trail really shined through in 2023! Her frequent social media posts help advance the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument; informed the public about trail etiquette, safety and Leave No Trace ethics; promoted ATA events, merchandise and initiatives; and increased awareness of the AZT far and wide. We are grateful for her representing the AZT & ATA in such a positive way


Melody and Tim Varner

Outstanding Trail Angel Award

Long distance trail users appreciate this dedicated duo, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Here’s what some thru-hikers are saying about Melody and Tim: “They saved my hike and my time with them was a highlight of the AZT. Melody and Tim are truly trail angels.” “…they made us feel completely at home. Even on the trail itself, people are talking about them. I’ve met several people for whom their rest day at Melody and Tim’s was a highlight of their hike.



2023

Jan Hancock

A striking woman with dark hair standing next to a horse

Jan Hancock

Lifetime Achievement Award 2023

Jan has dedicated her life to worthy causes that improve the quality of life for all Arizonans. She is a founding Board Member of the ATA and literally wrote the book on equestrian design standards for trails and trailheads throughout the nation. She continues to advance great trail projects in Arizona through her work with the Maricopa Trail Foundation and the Sun Corridor Trail Alliance. Jan’s visionary leadership and kindness over the past 30 years make her a vital part of the trail community.

 

 

 

 

 


Mark Flint

A man with a grey beard and a bucket hat standing in the desert

Mark Flint

Lifetime Achievement Award 2023

Ask most trail stewards and ATA staff and board members how they got involved and the majority will say, “Mark Flint!” Mark has been a champion of the Arizona Trail since its inception, and he has designed and built more miles, recruited more volunteers, and inspired more youth and veterans than we can possibly count. Dedicated individuals like Mark make the AZT what it is, and we are honored to celebrate his decades of service.

 

 

 

 


Ali Ayers

A woman in a black fleece with glasses and brown hair holding an award

Ali Ayers

Outstanding Agency Partner Award 2023

All of our recent successes on the Kaibab Plateau can be attributed to the outstanding support of Ali Ayers, Wilderness and Trails Staff from the North Kaibab Ranger District. Ali has taken the lead on the Mangum Fire and Orderville Reroute construction projects, general trail maintenance, sign upgrades, and so much more.

 

 

 

 


Angie Abel

A woman in a blue puffy vest and a small smile holding an award

Angie Abel

Outstanding Agency Partner Award 2023

A powerhouse on the Payson Ranger District, Angie is helping to take the Arizona Trail, Highline Trail, and other trails within Mogollon Rim country to the next level of safety and sustainability. Great things are happening under her leadership and we are grateful for her ability to navigate administrative challenges to get good work done on the ground.

 

 

 


Charles Neal

Two men standing in front of a desert image holding an award plaque

Charles Neal and VETS Coordinator Michael “Chappy” Chappell

Trail Advocacy & Conservation Award 2023

Charles’s dedication to AZT VETS and commitment to trail stewardship is an unwavering example to other veterans wanting to experience a new ‘mission’ while immersed in the healing power of nature. Since joining the VETS Program in 2021, Charles has dedicated nearly 190 volunteer hours and attended almost every veteran event since. We thank him for his service to the Arizona Trail.

 

 

 

 

 


John Yazzie

A man in a yellow hard hat holding a tool in the forest

John Yazzie, Jr.

Outstanding Stewardship 2023

John exemplifies the model of trail stewardship that the ATA has envisioned for years. Living just a short distance from passage 31, he visits segment C regularly and is intimately familiar with it in every season and weather condition. Most issues are addressed before they have a chance to negatively impact trail users, and he is thorough in his communications with ATA staff and partners. We admire his dedication and his expertise with managing a popular piece of the Arizona Trail.

 

 

 


Alex Derr

A man in glasses and a black jacket and a black knit cap standing in a sunlit forest

Alex Derr

Outstanding Stewardship 2023

Alex is a recently new steward on Passage 23d in the Mazatzal Mountains, but he has already had a tremendous impact on both his passage and on access to the Mazatzal Divide segment in general. In helping to open up access trails, work on adjoining segments and scout water sources, he has embraced the ideals of a remote wilderness steward with gusto. Thank you Alex for your hard work and perseverance in a challenging area. 

 

 

 


 

Jane Hiscox

A woman with short white hair in a puffy jacket standing in a forested campsite

Jane Hiscox

Outstanding Volunteer 2023

In 2022, Jane logged over 240 volunteer hours. She contributed to multiple trail work projects throughout the entire state and became a co-steward on segment 6a. Jane is an experienced crosscut sawyer and is training to tune and sharpen these valuable tools. 

 

 

 

 

 


Stephen Brown

A man with close-shaved hair and beard and a woman with short curly hair and a scarf in an office, holding a wood plaque

Stephen Brown and Volunteer Prog. Mgr. Wendy Lotze

Outstanding Volunteer 2023

Stephen is an ongoing steward of both segment 19e and 28b. In 2022, he logged over 320 volunteer hours. While many of these hours were spent across 11 AZT passages, Stephen has also spent time representing the ATA and promoting the trail at outreach events. 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Steve Linton

Steve Linton (center) with ATA Staff members Olivia Woods and Rosi Green

Outstanding Volunteer 2023

Steve is one of ATA’s most engaged volunteers in Central and Northern Arizona. In 2022, he logged over 640 volunteer hours and became a steward on segment 27a. As a former trail angel, Steve has also spent time supporting trail users with shuttles and water caching. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Kathleen Bober

Kathleen Bober

Outstanding Volunteer 2023

As a new steward on passage 4, Kathleen logged over 140 hours of volunteer time in 2022. While she is always eager to get out on the trail, she has also been a valuable and reliable representative for endurance and outreach events.

 

 

 

 

 


Gordon Hall

An older gentleman with silver hair in a buttondown shirt holding an award plaque

Gordon Hall

Outstanding Volunteer 2023

Gordon is a loyal member of the Phoenix “Usuals” and a regular at weekly trail work events. Need a ride to a work event? Gordon is your guy. He will travel near and far to pick up fellow volunteers so they can join the fun. Thank you, Gordon, for your wisdom, experience, and tireless contribution.

 

 

 

 


Armando “Mando” Gonzales

Outstanding Volunteer 2023

Armando has been instrumental in helping to maintain passage 3 – Canelo Hills West for more than ten years. He went above and beyond this year after the Canelo Hills Fire and clearing extreme Catclaw overgrowth between Canelo Pass Trailhead and Red Bank Well. We are so appreciative of his hard work and coordination to maintain the AZT.


Matt and Maria Moore

A couple standing in front of a desert backdrop holding a wooden plaque

Matt and Maria Moore

Outstanding Volunteers 2023

What a dream team! Together, Maria and Matt logged nearly 500 volunteer hours in their first year of work on the AZT. After hiking the entire trail, they became stewards of segment 19c and its infamous ‘big dip’. Since then, Maria and Matt have frequented trail work events, participated in outreach opportunities, and even hosted a New Year’s volunteer event on their segment in spite of the rain and snow…

 

 

 



2020

Steve Anderson and Jan Hancock

Steve Anderson

Lifetime Achievement Award 2020

With profound appreciation for your 25 years of service to the Arizona Trail Association. Your leadership and vision have significantly contributed to the Arizona National Scenic Trail and all the lives it enriches.

 

 

 


Brady VanDragt

Brady VanDragt

Agency Partner Award 2020

With gratitude for your commitment to improving the Arizona National Scenic Trail on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District through support of the Happy Jack Singletrack Project. Our greatest enhancement to the Arizona Trail would not have happened without you.

 

 

Rose Harley and Rob Mason

Rose Harley

Agency Partner Award 2020

With gratitude for your commitment to improving the Arizona National Scenic Trail on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District through support of the Happy Jack Singletrack Project. Our greatest enhancement to the Arizona Trail would not have happened without you.

 

 

 


Toyota Tacoma donated by Valley Toyota Dealers

Jay Carley & Valley Toyota Dealers

Business Partner Award 2020

With appreciation for your outstanding support of the Arizona Trail Association. Your generous donations over the past eight years support our mission to protect, maintain, enhance, promote and sustain the Arizona Trail as a unique encounter with the land.

 

 


Atlas Guides

Business Partner Award 2020

With gratitude for your support of the Arizona Trail Association through development of the single most effective navigational and public information resource for those who hike, run and ride on the Arizona National Scenic Trail.

 

 

 

 

 


Mountain Bike Association of Arizona

Legacy Partner Award 2020

With appreciation for your many years of generous support of the Arizona Trail Association and our mission to protect, maintain, enhance, promote and sustain the Arizona Trail as a unique encounter with the land. With your help we continually improve the AZT as a world class resource for two-wheeled adventurers

 

 


Rodo Sofranac and Susan Lagerman

Rodo Sofranac

Trailblazer Award 2020

With gratitude for your passion to help promote the Arizona National Scenic Trail, encourage youth to explore this wonderful natural resource and become its stewards, and for motivating others to give generously and raise funds in support of our mission.

 

 

 


Daniel Snyder, Steve Anderson and Wendy Lotze

Daniel Snyder

Outstanding Stewardship Award 2020

With appreciation for your extraordinary efforts in supporting the Arizona Trail Association. Your involvement in the Trail Steward, Trail Operations & Seeds of Stewardship programs are vital to the success of the organization and have a profoundly positive impact on the lives of all those who spend time on the Arizona National Scenic Trail.

 

 


Tasha Pontifex

Tasha Pontifex

Outstanding Volunteer Award 2020

With appreciation for your extraordinary efforts in maintaining and improving the Arizona National Scenic Trail, and for being an exemplary steward and representative of the Arizona Trail Association.

 

 

 

 

 



2019

Francisco Valenzuela and Pablo Burghard

 

 

Pablo Burghard

Lifetime Achievement Award 2019

With profound appreciation for your many years of service to the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Your leadership, vision and belief in the conservation corps model has significantly contributed to the Arizona Trail and all the lives it enriches.


 

Kent Taylor and Jana Randall

Jana Randall & REI Co-op

Legacy Partner Award 2019

With appreciation for your years of outstanding support of the Arizona Trail Association’s Trail Operations, Volunteer & Youth Outreach programs. We couldn’t fulfill our mission to protect, maintain, enhance, promote and sustain the Arizona Trail without you!

 

 

 

 


Brandee Lepak

Brandee Lepak

Outstanding Youth Partner Award 2019

With appreciation for your support of the Gear Girls program and your dedication to excellence in youth cycling and outdoor leadership in Arizona. Your commitment to providing opportunities to the young women of Northern Arizona helps inspire the next generation of outdoor leaders and stewards of our trails and public lands.


Susan Lagerman and Brady VanDragt

Brady VanDragt

Outstanding Agency Partner Award 2019

With appreciation for your unwavering support of the Happy Jack Singletrack Project on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District, and your genuine love for the Arizona Trail.

 

 

 

 


Jan Hancock and Roger Smith

 

Roger Smith

Outstanding Stewardship Award 2019

With gratitude for your time, talent & passion to help protect, maintain, and enhance the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Your commitment to the spring restoration project in the Mazatzal Mountains will be remembered for generations.

 

 


Kent Taylor and Donovan Wood

Donovan Wood

Outstanding Volunteer Award 2019

With appreciation for your extraordinary efforts in maintaining and improving the Arizona National Scenic Trail.

 

 

 

 

 


Terry Higbee

Terry Higbee

Outstanding Volunteer Award 2019

With appreciation for your extraordinary efforts in supporting the Arizona Trail Association’s volunteer program – a core component in maintaining and sustaining the Arizona National Scenic Trail.

 

 

 

 

 


Sandy Fortner

Sandy Fortner

Outstanding Volunteer Award 2019

With appreciation for your extraordinary efforts in supporting the trail community on the Arizona National Scenic Trail.

 

 

 

 

 

 



2018

Larry Snead and Bernie Stalmann

Bernie Stalmann

Lifetime Achievement Award 2018

With profound appreciation for your many years of service to the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Your leadership, vision and energy have significantly contributed to the development of the trail and the success of the organization.

 

 

 

 

 


Gary Faulkenberry

Gary Faulkenberry

Outstanding Partner Award 2018

With appreciation for your support of trail improvement projects, volunteerism and special events within Oracle State Park.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Kinsey 5th Grade Team

Outstanding Youth Partner Award 2018

With appreciation for your support of the Seeds of Stewardship program and your dedication to excellence in place-based & experiential education within the Flagstaff Unified School District. Your commitment to providing opportunities to the youth of Northern Arizona helps inspire the next generation of stewards of public lands.

Steve & Anna Coleman

Outstanding Youth Partner Award 2018

With appreciation for your support of the Seeds of Stewardship program and your dedication to excellence in place-based & experiential education within the community of Patagonia. Your commitment to providing opportunities to the youth of Southern Arizona helps inspire the next generation of stewards of public lands.


Bill Hiscox

Bill Hiscox

Outstanding Volunteer Award 2018

With appreciation for your extraordinary efforts in maintaining and improving the Arizona National Scenic Trail.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Rob Mason and Richard Duerden

Richard Duerden

Outstanding Volunteer Award 2018

With appreciation for your extraordinary efforts in maintaining and improving the Arizona National Scenic Trail.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Ellen Shopes and Larry Smikins

Ellen Shopes & Larry Simkins

Outstanding Volunteer Award 2018

With gratitude for your outstanding contributions to the Arizona Trail Association through volunteerism, photography, outreach & general love for the AZT.

 

 

 


Rob Bauer

Rob Bauer

Outstanding Volunteer Award 2018

With gratitude for your time, talent & passion to help protect, maintain, and enhance the Arizona National Scenic Trail.

 

 

 

 



2017

Larry Snead

Lifetime Achievement Award 2017

With profound appreciation for your many years of service to the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Your leadership, vision and energy have significantly contributed to the development of the trail and the success of the organization.


Eric Hiser

Outstanding Leadership Award 2017

With gratitude for your many years of leadership in helping the Arizona Trail Association fulfill its mission to protect, maintain, enhance, promote and sustain the Arizona National Scenic Trail as a unique encounter with the land.


Sean Murphy

Outstanding Partner Award 2017

With appreciation for your support of the Seeds of Stewardship program. Your commitment to providing opportunities to the youth of Northern Arizona helps to inspire the next generation of stewards of public lands.


Mila Besich-Lira

Community Partner Award 2017

With appreciation for your outstanding support of the Arizona National Scenic Trail in Superior and the Copper Corridor Communities.


Roger Smith

Outstanding Volunteer Award 2017

With appreciation for your extraordinary efforts in maintaining and improving the Arizona National Scenic Trail.


Matthew Roberts and Mark Loseth

Outstanding Volunteer Award 2017

With gratitude for your outstanding contributions to the Trail Skills Institute and the Arizona National Scenic Trail.



2016

Pioneer Title Agency

Outstanding Partner Award 2016

With profound appreciation for including the Arizona Trail in your 30th anniversary celebration and accomplishing the amazing goals of covering every mile of trail and raising over $45,000 to support the maintenance and protection of the Arizona National Scenic Trail.


Steve Anderson and Pima County

Trail Safety Award 2016

With profound appreciation for your commitment to the safety of Arizona Trail users along the Rincon Valley Passage of the Arizona National Scenic Trail through the installation of a railroad canopy, road signs and user-activated signal near Three Bridges.


Jim & Carol McFadden

Outstanding Volunteer Award 2016

With profound appreciation for being outstanding representatives of the Gateway Community of Flagstaff, Arizona Trail Day Organizers, Trail Stewards and numerous other contributions to the Arizona National Scenic Trail.


Andrea Michaels

Outstanding Volunteer Award 2016

For your dedication and determination in maintaining and protecting the Arizona National Scenic Trail your contributions as a Trail Steward, Trainer, Presenter, Fundraiser, Advocate & Stalwart Enthusiast are appreciated by all who are fortunate to have worked with you, and countless others you may never have met but whose lives are positively affected by your love for the Arizona Trail.


John Matteson

Outstanding Volunteer Award 2016

For your dedication and determination in maintaining and protecting the Arizona National Scenic Trail.


Craig Gregory

Outstanding Volunteer Award 2016

For your dedication and determination in maintaining and protecting the Arizona National Scenic Trail.


Elisabeth Wheeler

Outstanding Volunteer Award 2016

For your dedication and determination in maintaining and protecting the Arizona National Scenic Trail.